You can change your name on a Texas driver's license online through the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) website, but only if you meet specific conditions
The Texas DPS allows name changes online for certain situations: if you recently married, divorced, or had a court order for a name change. You cannot change your name online if you need to correct a spelling error, add or remove a middle name, or change your name for other reasons — those require an in-person visit to a DPS office.
The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes and costs $11. You will need your current driver's license number, a valid email address, and supporting documents that you upload as images or PDFs. The new license arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Key Takeaways
- Online name changes work only for recent marriages, divorces, or court-ordered name changes — not for corrections or middle name adjustments.
- You upload a certified copy of your marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order directly through the DPS website during the transaction.
- The $11 fee is charged when you submit, and your new license arrives by mail within a week or so.
- If your situation does not fit the online categories, you must visit a DPS office in person with your original documents.
What documents you need to upload
The document you upload depends on why you are changing your name. For a marriage, you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate — the one issued by the county clerk where you were married, not a photocopy or a printed version from an online service. For a divorce, you need the certified divorce decree that shows your new name. For a court-ordered name change, you need the certified court order from the district court that granted it.
"Certified" means the document has an official seal and signature from the issuing office. You can request a certified copy from the county clerk (for marriage certificates) or the district court clerk (for divorce decrees and name change orders). Most clerks charge $5 to $15 per copy and can mail it to you or let you pick it up in person.
The image or PDF you upload must be clear and readable — the DPS system will reject blurry or incomplete scans. Photograph the document in good lighting or scan it at 300 dpi if you have a scanner. Both sides of the document must be visible if there is text on the back.
Step-by-step process on the DPS website
Start at the Texas DPS online services portal (dps.texas.gov). Look for the "Driver License" section and select "Change Name on Driver License." You will be asked to enter your driver's license number and date of birth to pull up your record.
Next, you choose the reason for your name change from a dropdown menu: marriage, divorce, or court order. The system then asks you to enter your new name exactly as you want it to appear on your license. Double-check the spelling — this is what will print on your new card.
You then upload your supporting document. Click the upload button, select your image or PDF file from your computer, and wait for it to process. The system will show you a preview of what it received. If the image is too dark or cut off, you can delete it and upload again.
Review all your information one more time, then proceed to payment. You pay the $11 fee with a debit or credit card. After payment goes through, you receive a confirmation number and an email receipt. Keep both — you may need the confirmation number if you have questions about your order.
When your new license arrives and what to expect
The DPS processes online name change requests during business hours, Monday through Friday. Approval usually takes 1 to 3 business days. Once approved, your new license is printed and sent to the mailing address on file. Standard mail delivery takes 5 to 10 business days after it ships, though some arrive faster.
You will receive an email notification when your new license is mailed. If you do not receive it within two weeks of submitting your request, contact the DPS at 1-888-589-6556 to check the status. Have your confirmation number ready.
Your old license remains valid until your new one arrives. You do not need to surrender it or visit an office. Once the new license arrives, you can destroy the old one or keep it for your records.
Situations that require an in-person visit instead
If you need to correct a spelling error on your current license — for example, your name was printed as "Micheal" instead of "Michael" — you must visit a DPS office in person. The online system does not handle corrections to existing records.
If you want to add or remove a middle name, you also need to go in person. The online process assumes your legal name is changing due to marriage, divorce, or court order, not that you are adjusting how your current legal name appears.
If you changed your name for reasons other than marriage, divorce, or court order — such as a religious name change or a personal preference change without a court order — you must bring your court order to a DPS office. Without a court order, the DPS will not process a name change.
To find a DPS office near you, visit dps.texas.gov and search for "Driver License Office Locations." You can also call 1-888-589-6556 to ask which office is closest and what hours they keep.
Fees and what they cover
The online name change costs $11. This is a one-time fee that covers the processing of your request and the printing and mailing of your new license. There are no additional charges if your request is approved.
If your request is denied — for example, because your uploaded document is unreadable or does not match your driver's license record — the DPS will email you to explain why and ask you to resubmit or visit an office. You are not charged again if you resubmit online, but you will be charged the $11 fee if you choose to handle it in person at a DPS office instead.
If you need a replacement license for any other reason (lost, stolen, or damaged), that is a separate transaction with its own fee, usually $16 for a standard license.
Common reasons the online request gets rejected
The most common reason for rejection is an unreadable or incomplete document image. If your scan is too dark, too light, or cut off at the edges, the DPS cannot verify it and will ask you to resubmit. Use good lighting and make sure all four corners of the document are visible in your image.
Another frequent issue is a mismatch between the name on your document and the name on your driver's license. For example, if your marriage certificate shows your maiden name and your new married name, but your driver's license still shows your maiden name, the system may flag it. In that case, you may need to visit an office or contact the DPS to clarify.
If your document is not certified (no official seal or signature), the DPS will reject it. Do not try to submit a photocopy, a printed version from an online database, or a document you printed yourself. Order a certified copy from the issuing office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name online if I got married outside of Texas?
Yes, as long as your marriage certificate is certified by the county or state that issued it. The DPS accepts certified marriage certificates from any U.S. state or territory. Make sure the certificate shows both your maiden name and your married name clearly.
What if I do not have a certified copy of my marriage certificate yet?
Contact the county clerk in the county where you were married. Most clerks can mail you a certified copy within 5 to 10 business days for a fee of $5 to $15. Some offer rush processing for an extra charge. You can also visit the clerk's office in person to pick up a copy the same day.
Do I have to use the name on my marriage certificate, or can I use a different spelling?
Your new name on your driver's license must match the name on your supporting document. If your marriage certificate shows "Catherine" but you want your license to say "Katherine," you would need a court order to change it. Otherwise, you must use the spelling on the certificate.
What happens if my online request is denied?
The DPS will email you with the reason — usually an unreadable document or a name mismatch. You can resubmit online at no additional charge, or you can visit a DPS office in person with your original documents. An office visit guarantees a resolution but requires an appointment or a wait in line.
Can I use a digital photo of my document instead of a scan?
Yes. Take a clear photo of your certified document in good lighting, making sure all edges are visible and the text is readable. Upload the photo file directly through the DPS website. Avoid shadows, glare, or angles that make the document hard to read.